Alphabet ransomware virus: is it a real threat?

Computer users who tend to open any received spam email risk to encounter Alphabet virus. Ransomware-type[1] viruses are known as the most dangerous cyber threats nowadays; however, this piece of malware is still under development and cannot encrypt any files. After infiltration, it only locks affected computer’s screen and delivers a ransom-demanding message. Due to the lock screen, victims might be shocked or scared because they cannot access their PCs. Alphabet ransomware virus also informs about encrypted files and claims that decryption[2] is only possible with special decryption key. However, the same message includes the necessary key, so after ransomware attack victims only have to copy and paste it. It seems that it’s only a test version and hackers are just observing. Sooner or later they might strike again and launch a real and hazardous ransomware campaign. For this reason, you should remove Alphabet from the computer before it hasn’t caused any damage or encrypted your files. Scan your device with Reimage or other reputable anti-malware program and let it delete all malicious files.

Questions about Alphabet ransomware virus

Malware researchers started talking about this malware at the end of 2016. Even though there hasn’t been confirmed any cases when Alphabet malware encrypted files, the chances that it might happen soon are quite high. Hackers always create and spread crypto-malware[3] for some shady purposes[4], and, of course, the most important one is to swindle the money. However, on the affected computer this file-encrypting virus might change security settings and try to steal your personal data, such as credit card or bank account details if you decide to login or purchase something online using the infected device. Delaying Alphabet removal is not recommended because your computer’s system becomes vulnerable and other malware might use these flaws to hijack your device.

How can you get infected with ransomware?

Alphabet ransomware spreads like ordinary file-encrypting malware. It might infiltrate the system via malicious email attachment or infected link, exploit kits and bogus software downloads or updates. As you can see, there are many ways to get infected with ransomware. No one can be 100% secure from this cyber threat; however, taking some precautions[5] and minimizing the risk of the attack is a must. First of all, you should be careful with your emails. Never open spam emails and attached documents if you don’t know the sender or the message itself seems suspicious. Bear in mind that even safe-looking Word or PDF files might include malware. Secondly, never click on strange links or ads because they might be infected as well. If you receive a message from a friend that has strange link, before clicking it, ask him or her whether it’s safe or not. Thirdly, install and keep updated some security program. We recommend investing in the professional protection because your files are worth that. Lastly, you should backup files regularly and store them in the external devices. They will be valuable if you encounter Alphabet virus or other ransomware.

Alphabet removal instructions

Even though Alphabet Screenlocker virus is under development and cannot cause real damage, you should not let it stay inside. However, when hackers finish working on its updates and upgrades, malware can encrypt your files and ask for your money. So, you should not wait for this to happen. Remove Alphabet using one of these malware removal tools: Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. If your computer’s screen is locked and you cannot access any security tools, reboot your device to the Safe Mode with Networking and follow the instructions below. Once you can access your PC, install one of the previously mentioned programs, and run a full system scan. However, if some of your files are encrypted, try additional data recovery methods after Alphabet removal.

What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove virus damage using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to remove virus damage. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.

Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Alphabet removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Alphabet using System Restore

If automatic Alphabet removal does not go smooth, follow these guidelines.

Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

Click Start→Shutdown→Restart→OK.

When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.

Select Command Prompt from the list

Windows 10 / Windows 8

Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..

When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Alphabet. After doing that, click Next.

Now click Yes to start system restore.

Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with Reimage and make sure that Alphabet removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Alphabet from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

There’re any cases reported about encrypted files by Alphabet ransomware virus. However, if it happened to you and you do not have data backups, try our prepared solutions.

If your files are encrypted by Alphabet, you can use several methods to restore them:

ShadowExplorer

Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;

Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;

Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Alphabet and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes